BCIM vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BCIM (abrdn Bloomberg Industrial Metals Strategy K-1 Free ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - BCIM is a Metals fund tracking the Bloomberg Industrial Metals, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BCIM charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

BCIM vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn Bloomberg Industrial Metals Strategy K-1 Free ETF (BCIM) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BCIM

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 2.92%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: 32.04%
• 3Y*: 31.09%
• 5Y*: 18.15%
• 10Y*: 13.12%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BCIM vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BCIM abrdn Bloomberg Industrial Metals Strategy K-1 Free ETF	0.00%	10.71%	3.30%	-9.68%	-3.29%	4.17%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	2.92%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	4.56%

Correlation

The correlation between BCIM and GLD is 0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2021	0.30

Over the past year, the correlation between BCIM and GLD has dropped to 0.08 - well below their long-term average of 0.30, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

BCIM vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 32
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 28

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BCIM vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn Bloomberg Industrial Metals Strategy K-1 Free ETF (BCIM) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BCIM	GLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.21	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.01	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.60	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	BCIM	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-45.56%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-19.21%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-22.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-17.75%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-16.16%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.73%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BCIM	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.51%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	23.16%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	26.61%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	18.00%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	15.95%	—

BCIM vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BCIM has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

BCIM vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

BCIM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.77%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BCIM abrdn Bloomberg Industrial Metals Strategy K-1 Free ETF	3.77%	3.77%	11.47%	3.36%	0.72%	1.57%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BCIM and GLD in my portfolio?

BCIM and GLD have a correlation of 0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BCIM or GLD?

On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BCIM or GLD?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.41% for BCIM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BCIM or GLD?

BCIM has the higher dividend yield at 3.77%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between BCIM and GLD?

BCIM is categorized as Metals, while GLD is Gold. BCIM tracks Bloomberg Industrial Metals, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Aberdeen and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for BCIM and 0.40% for GLD.